Record number of new charter schools in California

The California Charter Schools Association said Wednesday that an unprecedented 109 charter schools opened throughout the state for the 2012-13 academic year, bringing the total number of charter schools to 1,065.

Enrollment in charters saw a 17 percent boost this fall, increasing to 484,000 pupils. Another 70,000 students are on waiting lists for charters.

Los Angeles County saw the highest number of new charters, with 40 schools opening. Sonoma County had the second highest, with 12 schools debuting.

California has long boasted the highest number of charter schools and students in the nation.

Charters are autonomously operated public schools funded with public money and loosely overseen by local school districts.